From Excitement to Shock – What I Learned Charging a Hyundai Ioniq 6 Overnight on a Standard Outlet

If you’re exploring the world of electric vehicles, one of your biggest questions is probably: “How do I charge it?” John Velasco from Tom’s Guide recently tested EVs like the Lexus TX550H+ and Hyundai Ioniq 6 and shared his hands-on experience. He gave an honest look at what it’s really like to live with an EV — from slow charging at home to faster (but more expensive) public stations. Here’s everything he learned, broken down so you know exactly what to expect before plugging in.

Experience

Velasco began his testing with the Lexus TX550H+, but he couldn’t actually try charging it because it didn’t include a level 1 charger. That’s a big deal because many new EV buyers don’t realize not all cars come ready to charge out of the box. You might need to buy additional gear before you even get started.

He then tested the Hyundai Ioniq 6 — a sleek sedan that did come with a level 1 charger. After three days of regular driving, he connected it to a regular 120V wall outlet at home. The battery was at 36%, showing 135 miles left. After charging overnight — 14 hours and 33 minutes to be exact — the battery climbed to just 42%. Yes, level 1 charging is very slow, but if you’re only driving 15 to 20 miles a day, it might be all you need.

Charging

Charging an EV doesn’t have to be complicated. Many models come with a level 1 charger that plugs into a regular outlet, no fancy setup required. Just plug it in at night and let it charge while you sleep. But don’t expect miracles — it’s slow and might not even give you a full charge overnight.

For those who drive more or don’t want to wait that long, level 2 chargers are the next step up. These require a 240V outlet and usually a professional installation. That means extra cost and paperwork, but you’ll get a much faster charge in return.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Charger Type	Voltage	Charging Speed	Cost	Best For
Level 1	120V	Very Slow	Low	Short daily trips
Level 2	240V	Moderate-Fast	Medium (Install)	Regular commuting
Public Station	High	Fastest	High	Emergencies, road trips

Cost

One of the biggest reasons to switch to an electric vehicle is to save money. Velasco points out that gas prices were spiking during his test, especially around Memorial Day — a perfect time to see if EVs truly save money. He charged the Ioniq 6 at night, avoiding peak electricity rates. Charging at home overnight is almost always cheaper than gas, assuming your utility company has lower night-time rates.

Public stations, on the other hand, will get you charged much quicker but at a much higher price. That’s why Velasco suggests using them only when you absolutely need to — like on long road trips or if you forget to charge at home.

Savings

If you play it smart, charging your EV at home — especially during off-peak hours — can lead to major savings compared to filling up a gas tank. Just remember that it takes time, especially with a level 1 charger. But if your daily driving needs are small, it’s the most budget-friendly option.

You avoid surprise gas station price hikes, and over time, those savings can really add up. Plus, you’re reducing your environmental footprint without changing your daily routine too much.

Recommendation

What’s the final verdict? For most people who don’t drive long distances daily, a level 1 charger at home is good enough. It’s slow, sure, but cheap and convenient. If you want something faster, consider installing a level 2 charger — just be ready for the added cost and installation steps.

And unless you’re hitting the highway or find yourself in a pinch, steer clear of public stations for regular use. Velasco’s test drive proves that owning an EV isn’t about constant charging anxiety — it’s about knowing your habits and charging accordingly.

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